Versatile Apple iPad defines, dominates tablet-computer market
September 10th, 2011 Posted in BusinessBy Todd Hamann
LOGAN—The Apple iPad is quickly changing the way people communicate on a global level, leading the next evolution in personal computing, and Cache Valley has caught the bug.
The iPad, Apple’s flat-panel computer not much bigger than its 9.5 x 7.3-inch screen, is designed to be portable and versatile, weighing only 1.3 lbs. Released in 2010, the iPad was an immediate global phenomenon, with 300,000 units sold the first day and more than a half-million by the end of the first week.
Which leads some to raise an eyebrow and ask, Why?
Part of the reason for its popularity is the iPad’s intuitive control scheme. “The iPad allows people to do their daily tasks faster and with a more enjoyable experience,” said Greg Ellis, manager of Expercom, a licensed Apple distributer in North Logan. “For instance, to transfer money between accounts takes three taps. On a PC, it could take up to 15 clicks.”
To make something happen, touch the screen. That’s the entire learning curve. For kindergarteners or retirees, the concept quickly and universally understood.
IPad’s impact was so large that that companies like Dell, Motorola and Barnes & Noble jumped on board with their own tablet computers, but nothing is yet approaching the iPad in market share.
ABI Research, a company specializing in emerging technology, reported that all other tablets combined have taken a mere 20 percent of the market share in the last year, with no serious challenger to the iPad.
Local sales have echoed worldwide sales. Expercom does not release sales figures, but Ellis said, “The iPad is by far the best-selling product for the first half of the year. It will most likely be the best seller for the second half also.”
With its massive success, Apple continues to push forward. Apple released the iPad2 in April, with a faster processor and two separate cameras, one forward and one rear-facing, to allow for video chat between iPad users.
Even in today’s economy, Apple is seeing monumental earnings thanks to the iPad. In June, Apple announced the largest quarterly earnings in the company’s history.
“We’re thrilled to deliver our best quarter ever, with revenue up 82 percent and profits up 125 percent,” said Apple founder Steve Jobs in June. Jobs has since stepped down as CEO due to medical concerns, but remains on the board of directors.
Another reason for the iPad’s success is the more than 100,000 apps that can be downloaded directly. There are 20 categories available, from social media to business, games to lifestyle.
Apple announced in June that more than 15 billion apps have been downloaded through Apple’s iStore to customers in 90 countries.
TP
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